Canada’s foreign ministry says it is trying to make contact with a second Canadian who is believed to have been detained in China on suspicion of harming national security.
Businessman Michael Spavor had contacted Canadian officials this week to say he was being questioned.
A Canadian ex-diplomat was arrested in China earlier this week.
On 1 December, Canada arrested an executive with Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, at the request of the US.
The Americans are seeking the extradition of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer (CFO) of Huawei, on suspicion of violating US sanctions on Iran.
China has threatened unspecified consequences if she is not released.
Who are the two Canadians?
Michael Spavor is a businessman based in Dandong, near the Chinese border with North Korea. He has deep ties to the North Korean government.
Ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig currently works for a think thank, the International Crisis Group (ICG), which has said it is concerned for his health and safety.
Both men were apparently detained following the arrest of Ms Meng although after the detention of Mr Kovrig, Canada said there was currently no “explicit indication” of any link.
Canadian officials said the reason for Mr Kovrig’s detention remained unclear while Chinese state media have reported that he is being held “on suspicion of engaging in activities that harm China’s state security”.
At a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Mr Kovrig’s case had been raised directly with Chinese officials.
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Source: BBC